WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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wheel of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a *carriage is by the roughness of the road,s over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
"The
Gas Traction at Manchester.
At the Manchester School of Technology on Friday last an exhibition of British productions was opened, oue s:f the sections being devoted to ess traction. The exhibits staged almost entirely reproduced the gas traction exhibition held at King's College, London, in August last. They included an L.G.O.C. omnibus chassis equipped to run on gas ; Torkington gas containers by Stelastic Tyres, Ltd. ; Flugel gas carburetters, reducing valves and control ; models of flexible containers by the British Automobile Traction Co., Ltd., the British Rubber Manufactures, Ltd., and the Ernest Lyon Gas Equipment Co., Ltd. ; the Murphy-Lyon carburettor and reducing valve ; gas meters by the, Rotary Meter Co., Ltd. and W. Parkinson and
Co., Ltd., etc. Except in the further development of the Torkington gas cylinder there are no advances in gas traction beyond the stage reacIseawhen the exhibits were shown in London.
The L.G.O.C. also exhibited a new type of gas cylinder of solid drawn steel, wirewound, and having a large opening at one end for cleaning purposes. The ends are not braced together by internaistays but are thickened up_
British Oil Exploiters:
A company, styled the United Mexican Oilfields, Ltd., has been registered with a capital of £1,000,000 in £1 shares, to acquire any petroleum or oil-bearing lands, etc., in the British Empire or any other parts of the world, and to carry on the business of winners, refiners of and dealers in mineral oils, etc.
Sale of Associated Omnibus Co.
In a written communication to the holders of ordinary and preference shares of the Associated Omnibus Co. Ltd., the secretary of the company encloses particulars of a contract for the sale of the company's undertakings and assets to the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., which has been entered into subject to the confirmation of the shareholders at a meeting which is to be called. The London General Omnibus Co. now owns over 90 per cent. of the ordinary shares of the Associated Omnibus Co. and the whole of the second debentures. The contract provides for the liquidation of this company and the sale of its undertakings and assets to the London General Omnibus Co. for cash at a price which will provide 2s. 9d, per ordinary share and for the preference shares a return of the capital paid up.
This proposal was to be laid before the extraordinary, general meeting of the company which was called on Tuesday last.
Gosforth Tractor Trials.
The Committee appointed to organize a demonstration of motor tractors and ploughs under the auspices of the Northumberland Agricultural Society has quickly got to work. Under the existing arrangements, the demonstration will be held in the vicinity of Newcastle and on land almost, adjoining the tram terminus at Gosforth. A panel of five gentlemen-has been formed as judges, in
c24 eluding representatives from the counties of Northumberland and Durham. The exhibition is to be solely of the nature of a demonstration to afford agriculturists an opportunity of judging the merits of the different tractors upon the market, and will possess nothing of the competitive element about it.
Lorries and Trailers Revocation Order.
The Minister of Munitions has reYoked the Lorries and Trailers (Returns) Order, 1917, which required returns from all persons (excepting railway companies) possessing steam-driven highway lorries or trailers.
Tyre Finns Amalgamate.
An amalgamation of important trade interests was hinted at in a recent para
graph in this journal. It is now announced that Wood-Milne, Ltd., and George Spencer Moulton and Co., Ltd., have combined, and we understand that there is a prospect of other interests coming into the combination.
Fire-engines Wanted.
Richmond (Surrey) T.C. invite tenders for the supply of two motor fire-engines. Specification and conditions of contract may be inspected and particulars obtained on application to Mr. J. H. Brierley, Borough Surveyor, Town Hall, Richmond. Sealed tenders have to be delivered by 4th January, 1919.
The Industrial Reconstruction Council.
The first lecture of the second series arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Council will be held in the Saddlers' Cheapside, E.C. 2, on Wednesday, 8th January. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by the Marquess of Crewe, and a lecture entitled "Industrial Unity" will be delivered by the Rt. Hon. G. H. Roberts, M.P.
Prices of New Vehicles.
We think that it is generally realized in the industry now that the cost of a new vehicle will not fall for some time to come ; on the contrary, there is an upward tendency of , prices. The Albion Motor Car Ltd, intimate an advance from the 1st Co.,anuary, 1919, of from £20 to £25 per vehicle on the price which held good when the armistice was signed. In view of the increasing cost of raw material and tho difficulty, of obtaining adequate quantities, there is every possibility of a further advance being made.
National Steam Car Co.'s Report.
The report of the National Steam Car Co., for the year ended 310, October last, shows that after making certain provision for maintenance, depreciation, etc., there was a loss of £17,840. After adding the £6000 from general reserve to the £14,535 brought forward, there' remains a balance in hand of £2595 to be carried forward. It is stated that the adverse results were largely due to the heavy increase in the. cost of paraffin and to the general tendency of wages to rise.
Disabled Men as Drivers.
In view of the fact that many applications are likely to be received from disabled men for licences to drive public motor vehicles, the Home Secretary has decided to reappoint the committee which considered the subject in 1916. The committee have been asked to review the conclusions which it then arrived at, and to report whether they should be re affirmed or modified. It may be recalled that the result of the committee's pre: vious investigations was a unanimous adverse report. The members of the committee are as follow :—Mr. F. L. D. Elliott, Assistant Commissioner of Police (chairman); Mr. H. E. Blain, representing the London General Omnibus Co. ; Mr. C. W. Bowerman ; Major A. Tudor Craig, C.B.E. (secretary Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society); Mr. J. W. Orde,, secretary Royal Automobile Club; Mr. Ra-J. Simpson, Local Government Board; Mr. A. Smith, president; of the London and Provincial Union of Licensed Vehicle Workers; Major H. J. Waring, M.S., president of the Royal College of Surgeons. The secretary of the committee is Mr. H. A. Tripp, and any communications should be addressed to him at the Metropolitan Police Office. New Scotland Yard, S.W. 1.
Motor Interests in Parliament.
The results of the polls for the General Election taken on 14th December were announced on Saturday last, and among the elected members of the new Parliament we have to record the following:— Sir Arthur du Cros (Coalition Unionist), for Clapham, majority 6706; Sir Albert Stanley (Coalition Unionist), for Aahtoeunder-Lyne, majority 2026; Sir Herbert Austin (Coalition Unionist), for King's Norton, majority 3892; Sir Hallewell Rogers (Coalition Unionist), for Moseley, -majority 12,372; Mr. Edward Manville (Coalition Unionist), for Coventry, majority 7082; Mr. A. R. Atkey (Coalition Unionist), for Nottingham Central, majority 6564; Cu]. J. T. C. Moore-' Brabazon (Coalition Unionist). for Chatham, majority 7320; Mr. Douglas Vickers (Coalition Unionist), for Hallam. unopposed; Mr. Alfred F. Bird (Coalition Unionist), for Wolverhampton West. majority 3171; Mr. W. Joynson-Hicks (Coalition Unionist), for Twickenham, majority 11,192; and Mr. Harry Greer (Coalition Unionist), for Wells, majority 2851.
Producing the American War Lorry.
The fourth article appearing this week in the series now being contributed to "The Motor" by Mr. H. 0. Duncan, of Paris, dealing with his visit to the States and giving a peep behind the methods employed by the America.v. motor trade and industry, touches upon the standard war lorry, 'showing how its production was tackled by the makers of engines and component parts and chassis assemblers. Much of the information therein given is already known to readers of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR, but it makes interesting reading. Mr. Duncan, it will be recalled, is associated with the De Dion Bouton Co. in Paris and London.
M.O.M. Orders Suspended.
The Minister of Munitions has AIMpended until further notice the following Orders :—
Benz°le and Naphtha Order, 1917, which controlled crude benzole, crude naphtha and light oils. Naphtha Order,-1917, which controlled crude solvent naphtha, solvent naphtha, and heavy naphtha. Tar (Coal and Water Gas) Order, 1917, which controlled coal tar and water-gas tar.
Chlorine and Chlorine Compounds Order, 1918, which controlled elementary chlorine and chlorine compounds, including bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite and all descriptions of chlorine bleach liquor.
Acetic Acid Order, 1917, and Acetic Acid (Extension) Order, 1917, which controlled glacial acetic acid and acetic acid of all strengths. Until fruther notice grey acetate of lime and acetone ceases to be specified as war material.
The Minister has also suspended until further notice the Platinum Order, 1915, and the Platinum Metal Order, 1916, which prohibited purchases, sales or dealings without a permit.
Driving Rules.
In view of the recent relaxation of the petrol restrictions, the handy little list
Traffic Rules," compiled by the Commercial Motor Users Association some time ago, and approved by the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, may be of interest to users of the highway.
More than 100,000 copies of these driving rules have been supplied, free of charge, to local authorities in various parts of the country, by whom they have been distributed to drivers of motor vehicles applying for driving licenoes. In addition to setting out the ordinary rules Of the road, series of simple hand .signals s given, by which drivers of vehicles can indicate intended changes of direction. A limited number of these rides is still available, and any driver or other interested person may receive a. copy, post free, by applying to Capt. F. G. Bristow, general secretary, the Commercial Motor Users Association, 83, Pall Mall, S.W. 1.
Aircraft Experimental Construction Suspension Order.'
The Minister of Munitions hex suspended until further notice the Aeroplanes (Experimental Manufacture) Order, 1917, and the -Aero-engincs (Experimental Construction) Order, 1918, which prohibited, without a licence, the experimental manufacture of any aeroplane, seaplane or part thereof or any nem engine. Experimental manufacture meant any manufacture not. under Government contract and included preparation of working drawings but not of general arrangement drawings.
Barimar Business.
With the abolition of the priority regulations of the Ministry of Munitions, relative to the repair of motor parts, comes a notification from Barimar, Ltd., scientific welding engineers of 10, Poland Street, Landon, W. 1, indicating that the company are now able to undertake all classes of welding work and radiator and lamp repairs without priority certificates. It may be of interest to note that the company has been asked to establish branches of their business iii France,, Italy, Belgium, Spain, the Netherla.nds, Greece, Egypt, South Africa, China, India and Australia, and negotiations are now in progress.
It is stated that the Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners will probably take a lead in allowing the benzole taremain in the gas and enrich its quality. They are evidently disposed to scrap the extracting plant as soon as circumstances will permit. They might be however, to take a different view of the question. should there be a reasonable prospect of benzole coming into keen demand for motor fuel purposes.
Ceylon Rubber Prospects.
At the annual meeting of the AboyneClyde Rubber Estates of Ceylon, Ltd., .recently held in London, Mr. Alfred du Gros, who presided, stated that the year under review had been a difficult one owing to war conditions, the chief obstacle being lack of freight, but
as hoped that before long the position Ns Quid become easier and greater facilities afforded. Another hardship was a severe drought in March and April, which undoubtedly prevented the harvesting of a round half-million of lbs. Owing to the reduced profit earned, the directors were unable to recommend a larger dividend than 7i per cent. on the ordinary shares. The company's obligation to cancel debentures to the nominal value of £6000 has been fulfilled, so that the original amount of £115,000 had been reduced to £81,300. Should the estimated crop for the current year (475,000 lb.) be secured, the shareholders might look forward to an improved position, particularly as the export duty had been reduced from 7 to 3 cents per lb., and the heavy war-risk insurance had ceased. The company's. visiting agent (Mr. 3. Graeme Sinclair) reported in August that the properties were in excellent order all over and the rubber in all divisions healthy.
The Inst. A.E. and the Tanks.
In connection with the souvenir card prepared for the dinner of the Designs Branch of the Mechanical Warfare (Tanks) Department, it is interesting to note that the credit for the design of the tank is shared between Major Wilson and Sir William Tritton. The Institution of Automobile Engineers on 13th December, 1916, elected Major W. G. Wilson to honorary membership of the institution for his services in connection with the design of Tanks, thereby showing an early recognition of his work in this connection. Nothing could, of course, be said about it in the Press at the time, but it is well that honour should now be paid to whom honour is due.
Motors in Mull.
In few places is the usefulness of the motorbus or passenger vehicle more clearly exemplified than in the remove Island of Mull, -Argyll. Two or three years ago a Ideal hirer started a weekly meter service between Salim on tho .sxtreme east and Iona on the west. The conveyance is run in connectioe with the mail steamer from Oban on Wednesday
afternoons. Despite the unfavourable conditions created by the war, the enterprise proved an immediate success, and, in the summer season, the journeys have to be made daily instead of weekly. It often happens indeed that the car goes over this route, not once but two or three times within 24 hours. The country tgaversed is sparsely populated, and can boast only of one village—that of Bunessan, within six miles of Iona. The distance between Salen and Iona is 39 miles, and the fare is fixed at 15s., a very moderate charge, considering all the circumstances.
' A few years ago a small baker and general merchant in Dervaig provided himself with a motor van. His business was previously very modest and confined to a radius of five or six miles. It has since grown with great rapidity, and covers practically the whole of Mull. His well-appointed vehicle is a familiar sight even an the remotest parts of the island, and, although the roads are uneven, the engine seldom gives trouble.
Motor Lorries Share in Austria's Defeat.
The Fiat Co. has made a statement ef the actual number of cars and lorries it has supplied for Army use. In 1914, Italy, then being neutral, not more than 500 motor vehicles were supplied for Army use. Between 1st January, 1915, and 30th October, 1918, the number of cars and lorries built for the Allied Armies totalled 50,000. Of this number 30,000 went to theJtalian Army, 15,000 to the French Army, and 5000 were divided among the American, Britieh and Portuguese Armies.
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The record monthly output was 2023 during October, 1917, this being an average of 75 motor vehicles per working day. This daily recited was considerably exceeded later when, the Italian Government having requested the factories to speed up to their utmost limits, in order to make good the material lost in the Caporetto disaster, the Fiat factory succeeded in attaining the wonderful record of 175 motor vehicles (the majority of these were lorries) produced during the working hours of 31st December,
1917. It is believed that this is the largest number of vehicles produced by any European factory in one day. It has to be taken into consideration, too, that the Fiat cars and lorries are produced entirely in the company's works, only the tyres being produced from outside. This record output was attained
without. interfering with the normal production of aeroplanes and aeroplane engines. So vigorous was the response of the Italian factories that all the material lest in the disaster of October, 1917, had been replaced by the following summer, and in October of this year the Italian and Allied Armies in Italy were able to attack again and secure 420,000 prisoners and 6100 guns. As an indication of the importance which the Italian comma-nd attached to motor transportation, it is permitted to state now that it was decided by General Diaz, immediately after the Caporette defeat, to create a reserve of tens of thousands of motor vehicles. 'in order when the next attack was launched to be able to move his entire force by motor lorry into Austria. It was realized that when another attack was made the Italian Army would be tumble to count on the use of any railroads, once enemy territory was entered.
It is not known whether the great reserve fleet of lorries was actually secured, but in any case General Diaz considered, in less than twelve months after the greatest defeat the Allies had suffered, that his forces were prepared to begin a movement which depended extensively on motor vehicles for its 5UCCOS.
Local Proceedings.
Nuneaton Corporation is considering the purchase of a motor fire-engine.
The Engineer of Tottenham U.D.C. is to report as to the desirability of collecting refuse by electric lorries.
Tbornab,y T.C., having received from the Ministry of Munitions a priority certificate for a motor fire-engine, has decided to apply for sanction to a loan of £1500 to cover the cost.
The Middlesex Couoty Surveyor has prepared a scheme for the widening of Stratford county bridge, an ancient structure carrying the Uxbridge main road at the boundary of Hillingdon and Uxbridge.
Hammersmith 13.0. complain of serious obstruction to traffic by, coffee stalls. The police say they are powerless to deal with the evil in absence of specific evidence of obstruction. The Council is asking. the Home Office to make regulations for the control of the coffee stalls.
Stirling Buses.
A striking testimony to the efficiency and popularity of motorbuses was given at the annual meeting of the Stirling and Bridge of Allan Tramway Co. The chair was occupied by Mr. henry Francis Brand, the well-known Glasgow contractor. He said that they had suffered' a very large amount of unfair competition *OM motorbuses.
Mr. Brand reminded the shareholders that, in 1914, the Stirling Town Couneil had expressed a desire to purchase and take over the tramway system—probably the only one in the world, except that of Port Said, to be -run with mules and horses. War broke out, and the Council felt themselves compelled to suspend negotiations. Their purpose evidently was to discard the animals and use motor vehicles. He believed that they were now taking up the question at the point where it had to be dropped 3 years ago.
The total tramway earnings for the year had been £5363, being an increase of £430 as compared with those of the previous twelvemonth. •
D.A. Annual Dinner.
A gathering of over 150 employees and guests made an enthusiastic function at the Holborn Restanrant recently. Mr. P. M. Watts spoke eloquently in proposing the chief toast, "The Acetylene Equipment Co., Ltd.," which was modestly responded to from the chair by Mr. L. M. Fox, the popular general manager of the company. War has not interfered with these annual gatherings, and there is evidence of mutual esteem and goodwill. It was satisfactory 'to hear that they are in a good position to supply D.A.. cylitulere, now that carbide is released. Mr. J. A. Jackson responded to the toast. of the Press.
The Forward MT—tor Co. advise us that they have changed the designation of their firm and that from now onwards they will be known as the Forward Sparking Plug Cu. The proprietorship remains as hitherto and tile general trade policy of the company will be in no way changed. The revision is made for the sole purpose of indicating more fully the nature of their business and bringing the style of the firm more in unison with their principal iketivity, viz., the manufacture of sparking plugs.